How to Rejoice Always, Pray Continually, and Say ‘Thanks’ Occasionally
Gratitude According to the Apostle Paul
Nobody penned a love letter like the Apostle Paul. When it comes to the epistles, Paul didn’t just write them—he dominated the league. His letters to the early Christians were filled with encouragement, truthful theology, correction regarding sin, and key character traits that every Christian should possess.
In his first letter to the Thessalonians, he dropped three important truths as he wrapped up his love letter, and trusted that the Holy Spirit would equip his audience with the knowledge they needed to live these commands: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV).
“Rejoice Always”
To “rejoice always” means to maintain a continuous, deep-seated joy rooted in Christ (rather than temporary happiness dependent on circumstances). Practically, that looks like modeling resilience and acknowledging that the Lord is sovereign in all the highs and lows of the Christian life.
Keep Praying
The next topic in his three-point mini-sermon is prayer. Paul’s command on prayer looks different depending on your Bible version. “Pray continually” (NIV), “never stop praying” (NLT), and “pray constantly” (HCSB). Regardless of your translation preference, the message is crystal clear.
Paul desired to teach his audience that forming a lifestyle of prayer is the goal that we should strive for as followers of Christ. Praying nonstop means we are having a continuous dialogue with God, coming boldly to the throne of grace to offer up praise, supplication, intercessions, petitions, and thanksgiving.
Someone who is praying continually is someone who does not pin hope on their own strength (Philippians 4:13). They cultivate a close and personal relationship with God by sharing their heart with Him (Psalm 62:8). They acknowledge the holiness of God (Matthew 6:9). They trust Him with their anxiety, acknowledging that God is empathtic and attentive (1 Peter 5:7). They understand that God has compassion for our humanness (Hebrews 4:15). They know God promises a listening ear when we come to Him with prayers that align with His will (1 John 5:14). Living a life of continual prayer means a constant conversation with God is happening and that you acknowledge that He is a friend (Psalm 25:14).
Say Thanks
And finally, Paul commanded the early Christians to give thanks. Giving “thanks in all circumstances” as a Christian involves cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude that recognizes that the Lord is the source of all of our blessings—this means in the good times and in shadow sides of life.
Some circumstances point us to an obvious expression of thankfulness to God, and that is easy to do. It is when circumstances are difficult that we may not find it natural to show gratitude to God for hardships.
However, when the Lord offers us sanctification opportunities and experiences that can refine our character, we can express our thankfulness to Him, knowing that these moments force us to come to the Lord and draw near to Him. Everything God ordains for us to experience is purposeful in building our character in Christ—and that is something we can be thankful for because He is shaping us to be more like Him.
Praying with an Attitude of Gratitude
I’m in the thick of midlife (AKA Cougar Puberty) and have sadly experienced more anxiety than I care to admit. Praying continually is my best tool to fight these anxious thoughts when they pop into my head. However, before I even send off a litany of requests to the Lord, I first dial in on adoration and thankfulness for God. This has changed my prayer life—focusing on HIM first, and me second. It looks like praying with sincerity: “Lord, you are praiseworthy, sovereign in all circumstances, and the giver of all good gifts. Thank you for saving me, and thank you for placing a desire on my heart to seek you throughout the peaks and the valleys of life.”
I’ll leave you with a prayer for us both.
Lord, Your Word tells us to always rejoice, always pray, and always show gratitude. Give me a desire to have an ongoing dialogue with You, knowing that as I pray, Your Spirit will guide my words. Allow me to have a deep awareness of your character and that all blessings come from You. Guide my thoughts to be continuously aware of your presence in all circumstances and mold my heart to have a heart of gratitude. Amen.
Meet Annie Weber
Author & Speaker Annie Weber is known for her bold and uncompromising approach to sharing God’s Word. She lives with a keen awareness of how the Truth of Scripture has led her to put her faith in Christ. Annie is a wellness enthusiast, adventure seeker, wife to Bryan, and mom to Lucy, Luke, Lily, & Levi. She enjoys beach time, fitness, photography, snorkeling, hosting parties, making people laugh, and exercising her social skills.
Where to find her . . .
Begin Within is a series to inspire a year-round lifestyle of gratitude that will impact not only your own life, but the lives of your neighbors as well. Gratitude is a theme we talk about often around here because it ties so closely into other missional living rhythms. Practicing gratitude reminds to keep our hearts soft and expectant and our eyes open. Therefore, the more we embrace gratitude, the easier it becomes to truly see our neighbors and where we can join what God is already doing in our neighborhoods.
If you would like to contribute to Begin Within, you can find the submission guidelines here.
